In this episode of Green Disruptors, host Megan Kjar sits down with Mike Riley, CEO of NextGen, a Utah-based materials startup tackling one of clean tech's biggest challenges: where—and how—we get our critical materials.

From pioneering a low-impact method of extracting lithium from waste piles and seawater, to innovating in graphite and flame retardants, Mike and his team are engineering cleaner, smarter alternatives to conventional mining.

Tune in for a wide-ranging conversation on eco-ethical sourcing, local water issues, lobbying vs. impact, and what it really takes to scale a cleantech startup in today’s geopolitical landscape.